Leaders identify infrastructure shortcomings in Rochester region

Infrastructure funding dominated a recent open discussion between area engineers, architects and state legislators.

Sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, Rochester Region, more than 50 local engineers and architects sat with two state senators, four assemblymen and several municipal representatives to discuss areas of concern, mainly infrastructure investment. The meeting on the state budget and investment needs in the Rochester area was held last week at the Oak Hill Country Club.

The state comptroller estimates an $80 billion shortfall in New York state infrastructure spending over the next 20 years.

“There is an ever increasing gap between infrastructure needs and planned investments,” said Seth Kaeuper, president of ACEC New York, Rochester Region, in a statement. “Maintaining the current system without making capital investments is not a sustainable strategy.

Future taxpayers will end up carrying the burden of insufficient funding as larger infrastructure investments are pushed into the future.”

Other issues discussed included contract indemnification language and non-licensed ownership of firms.